I originally took this photo a year ago at the Cleveland Metropark Zoo.  My children were in the Wolf Lodge visiting with Santa and I had wandered outside to see if there was anything interesting to take pictures of.  Don’t worry, Carter and Paige weren’t alone.  In fact, they were probably better off since they were under the supervision of their mother. 

Right outside the Wolf Exhibit is the reindeer display.  I guess they keep it close by so they are easier to feed to the wolves.  Crazy zookeepers.  Anyhow, it appears that Santa had his reindeer parked there that day as well, but I didn’t know that until much later.

I snapped this as a throwaway shot and just went on about my business.   I didn’t know I had captured Rudolph until I got home that night and started editing pictures.  I can only guess that my shutter click triggered his nose to light for one brief second (Pocket Wizards?).

This year, I’ve had a half dozen emails asking about this picture.  All children wanting a picture of Rudolph left under the tree from Santa as a little extra bit of proof that he really does exist.   I’ve answered every single one of those emails with a smile.

If any of you want this picture – here it is.  Right click away and take it.  All I ask is that you leave a Merry Christmas message in the comments.

- Merry Christmas!

Tags: christmas, ho-ho-ho, red-nosed, reindeer, rudolph, santa, snow, winter